USM Students Experiencing Careers in Aquaculture and Fisheries through Federal Research Internships
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 08:38am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Graduate students James Klein and Molly Spencer, both pursuing a Master of Science in Coastal Sciences at 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering, recently completed research internships funded by federal agencies 91吃瓜网� the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Both students are researchers at USM's Center for Fisheries Research and Development, housed in the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
Klein, a native of Weston, Conn., participated in a U.S. NSF funded internship working at Cape May Salt Oyster Farms, associated with Atlantic Cape Fisheries, in Port Norris, N.J.
Klein91吃瓜网 thesis explores the Mississippi Sound and monitors and predicts oyster larvae performance. Concurrently, the internship was focused on enhancing the efficiency of oyster farming in deeper and subtidal environments using innovative and functional aquaculture gear and identifying oyster lines that exhibit favorable traits for the aquaculture industry and half shell market.
Throughout the internship, Klein says he monitored and sampled seed oyster growth over a nine-month period, tracking the cohort's development until it reached market size.
91吃瓜网淚 deployed and tracked seed oyster growth,91吃瓜网� said Klein. 91吃瓜网淔ollowing the winter period, characterized by marginal oyster growth due to cold temperatures, oysters were monitored and sampled every six weeks until the cohort reached market size.91吃瓜网�
Klein had the opportunity to devise his own experimental design for collecting live samples and led in the implementation of a cohesive monitoring program to evaluate the performance of various triploid oyster genetic lines.
91吃瓜网淚 was able to evaluate the performance of different triploid oyster genetic lines at a range of cage stocking densities using a novel deep water oyster aquaculture farming system,91吃瓜网� said Klein. 91吃瓜网淎ctive participation in pulling the aquaculture gear onto the vessel allowed me to collect live samples, subsequently perform laboratory analyses, and assist with gear maintenance.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淥nce in the laboratory, live samples were processed for statistical analyses, and traits such as shell appearance and shape, fast growth, adequate meat content, disease prevalence, and high survivorship were assessed,91吃瓜网� Klein continued. 91吃瓜网淚 would like to acknowledge Dr. Daphne Munroe and Dr. David Bushek at Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory for providing me lab space and accommodations during my monitoring trips.91吃瓜网�
Klein notes that this invaluable experience has allowed him to step beyond the classroom and delve into the industry sector of oyster fisheries with the support from a sustainable oyster farm.
91吃瓜网淢y academic foundation in coastal sciences, with emphasis on oyster population dynamics and fishery management, seamlessly intersected with the objectives of my internship at Cape May Salt Oyster Farms,91吃瓜网� said Klein. 91吃瓜网淭his opportunity strengthened my proficiency in data management and analyses, equipping me with the ability to effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences. It not only expanded my skill set but also produced tangible results, fortifying my commitment to advancing the field and contributing to sustainable aquaculture and fishery practices.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淯SM has played a pivotal role in preparing me for success in several ways,91吃瓜网� said Klein. 91吃瓜网淭he rigorous curriculum has provided me with a solid theoretical foundation, while hands-on research opportunities like this one have allowed me to apply gained knowledge in practical settings.91吃瓜网�
He added, 91吃瓜网淢oreover, the supportive and engaging learning environment fostered by the faculty at USM has been instrumental in my development. In particular, through his expertise and guidance, my advisor, Dr. Eric Powell, has significantly influenced my academic and professional growth. His mentorship has not only deepened my understanding of marine science, oyster population dynamics, and fisheries, but also encouraged me to explore independent research and pursue real-world applications.91吃瓜网�
Spencer, a native of Mid-Coast, Maine, participated in a NOAA Fisheries funded internship working at the Northeast Marine Fisheries Science Center (NMFSC) in Woods Hole, Mass.
Spencer91吃瓜网 thesis explores the impact of climate-induced warming on the eastern North American continental shelf, particularly affecting the Atlantic surfclam (Spisula Solidissima). Concurrently, the internship focused on investigating the robustness of the federal Atlantic surfclam survey design under increasing warming temperatures.
91吃瓜网淢y research focuses on the species' vulnerability to rising bottom temperatures and anticipates future habitat shifts based on forecasted temperatures,91吃瓜网� explained Spencer. 91吃瓜网淭hese future shifts in surfclam distribution have serious implications for how well our current federal Atlantic surfclam stock survey design will be able to capture these changes in biomass.91吃瓜网�
During the internship, Spencer spent six months investigating the reliability of the Atlantic surfclam survey design, based on model predictions from her thesis, working alongside NMFSC91吃瓜网 lead Atlantic surfclam stock assessor, Dr. Daniel Hennen.
91吃瓜网淥ur research involved simulating the federal stock assessment survey design within our surfclam habitat projection model, to test how well the survey could estimate Atlantic surfclam biomass over projected decadal shifts in species habitat,91吃瓜网� said Spencer. 91吃瓜网淥vercoming the many challenges that come with stock assessment data, we were able to construct and interpret the statistical analyses.91吃瓜网�
Reflecting on the significance of gaining hands-on experience, Spencer expressed, 91吃瓜网淵ou hear about these sampling techniques in class, but witnessing firsthand how a meticulous survey design can accurately portray your studied population really imprinted the importance of these techniques. The surveys ensure the well-being of the fishery and those dependent on its resources, therefore, our commitment to ethical and responsible practices should be of utmost importance.91吃瓜网�
Spencer notes that USM has equipped her with the necessary skills that are critical to succeed in the career paths for coastal science researchers.
91吃瓜网淭he skill-based learning I have been exposed to at USM prepared me well for this internship, including the development of quantitative research skills and the exposure to several programming languages and software techniques,91吃瓜网� said Spencer. 91吃瓜网淕uidance from my advisor, Dr. Eric Powell, and co-advisor at Old Dominion University, Dr. John Klinck, made these learning curves far less intimidating to overcome.91吃瓜网�
The outcome of this research with NOAA Fisheries is going to inform a major U.S. shellfish fishery on what they can expect regarding stock sustainability in a time of global climate change, a key question for many associated with the industry.
91吃瓜网淭eaming up with scientists from federal institutions has given me greater insight into the bigger picture of fisheries and coastal sciences,91吃瓜网� said Spencer. 91吃瓜网淲hile I tend to focus on the scientific significance of climate-induced changes occurring in our oceans, this internship brings a human perspective to our work. Changes in species habitat have important consequences for these historic industries and the fishers who have spent their lives, and for some, going back for generations, pursing this resource. I think it91吃瓜网 important for me to be involved in research that has this type of cultural impact.91吃瓜网�